Editor: New online salute to veterans

Our first Fourth in Florida, and it covered the complete day-off experience.

A morning drive to Anna Maria Island.

Followed by a splash in the Gulf.

Then a trip south through Longboat Key.

Followed by a nap.

And topped off with fireworks oohing and aahing from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (which quickly has moved into my must-visit often list).

Everywhere we went, folks acknowledged the Fourth.

At breakfast, the diner's wait staff wore red or blue T-shirts.

On Anna Maria, kids walked around with glistening red, white and blue beads snagged from the parade.

When we returned home briefly (see nap), two neighbors had U.S. flags on display.

And at Selby, the crowd showed up in their best patriot attire.

On Facebook, friends and family shared their same level of enthusiasm.

My brother Dennis, who costumes up as a Star Wars storm trooper to entertain kids, marched in a parade as a storm trooper dressed as Uncle Sam. Talk about historical time warp — only he can bridge the War of 1812 to a galaxy far, far away. But this isn't play for him. It's his way to pay tribute to our late Dad, a veteran.

Another acquaintance, who has significant military ties, posted a picture of a World War II veteran he met on the Fourth.

All feel-good moments.

Could it be that, like fireworks on the Fourth, we've come to a consensus that veterans deserve to be recognized for serving our country?

It seems like an inane question, but veterans who served in Vietnam will tell you that hasn't always been our country's mindset.

We're aware of the importance that veterans play in our region. The Herald-Tribune has published a weekly feature about veterans for more than a decade.

Now, we're taking the next step.

Last week, we launched a niche site focused on veterans. It's in a beta mode, meaning there's more work to be done. But you'll already find plenty of content at HeraldTribune.com/veterans.

We're focusing on three areas:• Stories about veterans, where you'll discover new and past profiles.• Coverage of Patriot Plaza and the Legacy of Valor initiative to honor veterans.• Veterans' resources, a list of organizations and contacts for veterans and their families.

My thanks to editors Brian Ries and Earle Kimel, who got the veterans niche site ready to launch by the Fourth. In the coming months, Earle and I will work to add stories, photo galleries, videos and other interactives. (You can contact Earle at 941-361- 4972 or earle.kimel@heraldtribune.com. My information is below.)

The Fourth is a celebration of our country's legacy, but it's also become another tribute for veterans and the importance of our freedoms.